Caring for husband with terminal brain cancer

I have been a caregiver to my husband who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer a little over 2 years ago. We had been married under 2 years when he received this diagnosis. This disease is like 2 in 1....cancer and Alzheimers. I cannot leave him alone because of his confusion and forgetfulness. Also, his balance is off and at times falls. He cannot be left alone with the children often because he gets nasty, screaming at them as well as pushing. He is diabetic and sneaks food when I turn my back. I feel so trapped. I cannot work because of this, and we are living on SSD. He has become like a fourth child. This is so frustrating for our whole family. He has ruined whatever relationship he had with the kids. Also, whatever relationship we had is gone. I have become his nurse, not his wife. I feel so lonely at times. But most of all, I am overwhelmed, having to be in charge of everything in the house. My 11 yr old has ADD which comes with its own challenges. I try to handle all of these responsibilites but sometimes they get to be alot. I am doing the best I can for everyone while trying to go to school part time. Usually, I deal ok but once in a while the situation gets to me. I guess today is one of those times. Just needed to vent:)

Welcome Jackie. Caregiving is hard and the emotional part can be the worst. That is what many professional caregivers do not understand. You not only have the physical and financial part of things but you have to deal with a dying husband who is loosing his mind. Then there is the becoming a nurse instead of a spouse something I know all too well.

But the good news is that you are stronger than you realize, we all are. You will survive it but it will be the hardest thing you do. If you have a religious faith keep it, and if not you might want to consider it. More than that you have a community here of people who do understand and will listen and encourage you. Take care and God Bless.

Helpful Links

Caregiver Action Network

Caregiver Action Network is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age. CAN serves a broad spectrum of family caregivers ranging from the parents of children with special needs, to the families and friends of wounded soldiers; from a young couple dealing with a diagnosis of MS, to adult children caring for parents with Alzheimer’s disease. CAN (the National Family Caregivers Association) is a non-profit organization providing education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge.